Shaina Williams

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, & Hip Hop

Shaina began her dance training when she was three years old here at A Step Above. While at A Step Above she trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre. From 2004-2012, she also participated in A Step Beyond Dance Company, where she competed in many competitions in the Chicago and Madison areas. While competing, she has received many awards such as “Dancer of the Year” and four scholarships to attend the Chicago Dance Connection convention tuition free. Also, in June of 2010, she was awarded Fox 47’s Scholastic Arts Spotlight recipient where her dancing was a featured news story. Along with dancing at A Step Above, Shaina was an assistant teacher, substitute, and taught her own class during her senior year of high school.

After graduating from high school, Shaina continued her dance training at the collegiate level taking classes in African, Improvisation, Composition, Ballet, Jazz and Modern dance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. Throughout her college career, Shaina has had the opportunity to perform in and choreograph for several university performances and the American College Dance Association festivals.

Shaina’s teaching experience includes a position with the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Dance Program in 2014. This is also the year she began teaching at A Step Above. In 2016, Shaina completed Axis Dance Company’s Integrated Teacher Training program where she enhanced her skills in inclusive dance and translation for dancers with physical disabilities. Shaina takes pride in the fact that she creates a positive and encouraging classroom that is individually tailored for each student to thrive in.

Shaina graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2017 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Dance. Currently, Shaina is pursuing her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Shaina continues to learn from other dance professionals by attending conventions and taking classes to better herself as a teacher and choreographer. Dance has shaped the person Shaina is today and she hopes to inspire children to have the same experience through a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Shaina is very excited to be a part of the A Step Above faculty again and share her love for dance.

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